But even while wicker furniture is quite rugged and well made, it still needs to be looked after if it is to last a long time. This is especially true since it spends so much time sitting outdoors; even if the weather is dry it can create problems for wicker furniture.

When it comes to caring for your wicker chairs and tables, you should find out first of all exactly what material they are made of. Wicker is merely the style in which a particular material has been used, which in this case is woven; the most commonly used types in this case are bamboo and willow.

Assuming you have bought the right piece of furniture to use outside (some wicker furniture is only meant to be used indoors, so be careful when you are buying it in order to ensure you get something robust enough to last outdoors) the first step is to make sure you clean it regularly. If you don’t then it is not likely to last as long since it will be less able to withstand the weather. Make sure you get into good cleaning habits as soon as you get your furniture, to stand a better chance of sticking with it.

Dust is a big factor for outdoor furniture, and the natural design of wicker means that there are plenty of places for dust to blow into and become lodged. The best method of getting it out is to use a feather duster or static duster to be rid of it.

Once you have done that a quick wipe with a damp cloth (not soaking wet) should do the trick. The problem with having wicker furniture sitting in the sun is that all the moisture content of the wicker will gradually be lost and the furniture will become compromised as a result. Wicker should never be completely dry. Regularly wiping it over like this helps to combat this natural loss of moisture to the sun.

Some types of wicker may need oiling with linseed oil or something similar to help protect it against moisture and replace some of the natural oils that are lost. But there is only a certain amount you can do to clean and protect your furniture from the elements.

Each year there comes a time when the weather changes for the worse, and then you are better off storing your wicker furniture for the winter if at all possible. If you don’t have the room then get some large tarpaulins to cover it with and make sure they are anchored down.

However good your wicker furniture is in quality, dusting and oiling it will only help to protect it against some things. Sometimes a change of location is your best bet until the weather gets better again.

But when winter draws in you’ll be venturing inside – which leaves you with the problem of what to do with your veranda furniture.

Whatever style of furniture you have, it’s advisable to bring it in out of the elements if you can. A garage or shed is a good place to store it, but make sure you cover it with a tarpaulin for additional protection against the inevitable leaks that can sometimes occur. It will also help to keep the furniture free from dust.

If you have wooden furniture consider treating it before bringing it inside, as it will help to protect it and keep it looking good for when you need to get it back out again.

Another good tip is to make sure any fixings, such as screws for example, are oiled just prior to storage. This will prevent the damp making them rusty.

If your furniture has soft cushions they should be brought inside, as any outbuildings tend to be damp and can result in your soft furnishings becoming musty.

If you don’t have a shed or garage it might be worth investing in an outdoor storage box that’s big enough to hold essential items of furniture. It’s a smaller alternative to a shed and is usually made from metal or plastic.

Of course not everyone has the room to be able to store all their garden furniture inside. If this describes your situation you need to think carefully about how to protect it against the elements. Even though most garden furniture is quite robust and can be protected by treating it regularly to ward off any damage, it won’t be happy sitting outside on your veranda without any kind of covering over it at all.

In this case buy the best – and biggest – tarpaulin you can find and make sure it covers every inch of your furniture. It will need to be firmly secured to the ground in some way; you can use heavy bricks or planters to keep it on the ground, or even tether it to something, but ideally you need to ensure the wind, rain and snow cannot get underneath it. Pull the furniture into a sheltered corner if you can, and group it together.

In an ideal world we would all have a dedicated spot for storing our outdoor furniture, but regardless of where you store it just remember these two rules – protect it and cover it.

Patio heaters

Why restrict using your patio to the summer months? The cooler autumn evenings can still be spent enjoying the outdoors if you have a patio heater to keep things comfortable. They don’t take up much space and you can buy them in many different designs to suit the feel of your patio.

Planters and pots

Plants and flowers provide the perfect way to soften the often hard lines of a deck or patio, and they can also provide color all year round if you regularly plant varieties that will stay in flower during different seasons.

If you use wooden planters you can stain them the same color as your deck; rustic pots also fit in well in this setting. For a more modern look go for aluminium planters and pots, or even colorful polypropylene pots that have a shiny finish and are extremely weather resistant.

Deck furniture

Whatever your style, whatever your taste, there is sure to be a set of garden furniture that will fit the bill. Wicker is a good choice as it’s light and easy to move, and usually has removable and washable cushions and covers.

Alternatively, wooden furniture always looks good and provided you look after it properly it can last for many years. Choose a weatherproof stain that will protect it against the elements, and also fit in with the feel of your patio or deck area. A dark stain will give the furniture a heavier look, whereas a light pine color will make the whole area feel lighter.

Barbecue

An essential item during the summer months, there are plenty of different styles to choose from – not to mention prices. Before you buy that gleaming stainless steel gas barbecue, think about how often you are really likely to use it, and how much room you have got as well. Once you have got your garden table, chairs and perhaps recliners out to use, you may find you don’t have as much room as you thought.

There are lots of different ways to dress your deck or patio, and give it a look that is uniquely yours. And don’t forget, you don’t need to buy everything all at once; the beauty of creating your perfect patio is selecting the accessories you really want and adding them gradually until you have the effect you want.

FURNITURE SIZE

The size of your furniture should be determined by the size of the space. If you have a smaller space, you should avoid the following:

• Oversized furniture
• Too many pieces
• Large plants
• Too many decorations

Smaller spaces that are crowded with furniture and decorations will look cluttered and small. Open up smaller spaces by limiting yourself to two or three pieces, an end table, and a few medium sized plants. If you enjoy eating on your veranda, choose a picnic table with benches and one or two small chairs.

If you have a larger space, you should choose pieces that can fill the space without making it seem crowded. Verandas should be open spaces where you can enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors.

CREATE SEPARATE SPACES

Creating a few seating areas where you can sit by yourself or with family and friends is one way to create intimacy. This will also give you more opportunities to use the space you have. Separate spaces include:

• Eating area
• Reading area
• Conversation area
• Cooking area

You should try to create at least two of these areas in order to utilize the space.

After arranging the furniture, then you can fill in with other decorations. Don’t place too many items in one area as this will create an unwanted focal point that will appear cluttered and out of place with the rest of the space.

FURNITURE COLOR

The color of your furniture depends on your preferences and how much you want to maintain them. Darker colors can hide stains, tears, and other damage, while lighter colors create the illusion of more space.

You can always change the color of seats by purchasing slip covers or you may be able to stain or paint furniture when you want a change.

ADDING PLANTS AND OTHER DECORATIONS

The final touch to your veranda will be plants, decorative vases, cushions, and other items. Keep in mind that when you want to change the look of your veranda, many times all you need to do is purchase new decorations. Changing these items can add color and create a different atmosphere.

In addition to choosing the right size furniture, you will also have to consider the weather, how you want to use the space, and how much time you want to put into maintaining it.

Taking the Right Measurements

Knowing the square footage of your patio is all you really need when buying furniture. If you have an oddly shaped patio, then measure each section. In addition to learning the square footage, measure each side as this will give you a better idea of which size furniture you should purchase.

Bring these measurements with you when shopping. Measure all the pieces you want to purchase so you can make the best decision.

Patio Furniture Styles

Patio furniture includes lounge chairs, chaise lounges, swings, tables, and benches. The type of furniture you purchase will depend on the size of your patio. A good rule is to buy two or three pieces that can be used in different ways.

If you want to add a table, make sure it has a beveled edge so rainwater will run off it easily. Benches can be placed in different areas and also serve as extra seating. You may want to buy benches that also double as storage.

Easy to maintain patio furniture is usually made of plastic or treated wood so you won’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning it. You will also not have to worry as much when it rains. Covering your patio furniture or removing it during the winter months will help preserve it for many years.

Creating a Cozy Retreat

Now that you have patio furniture, you will need to purchase cushions, add some plants or decorations, and create some shade with an umbrella. Cushions should be comfortable and easy to care for. You can choose from a wide variety of fabrics, but make sure they are treated to protect them from water and spills. An oversized umbrella will complete your patio and add shade when eating, reading, or talking with friends.